Tedisco Inducts Schenectady Vietnam Veteran & Special Forces Member into NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I,REF-Glenville) today inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, Schenectady resident Sullivan Alois, who is a former Principal at Schenectady High School, and a decorated U.S. Army Special Forces Vietnam War combat veteran. 

Alois is a former Captain in the U.S. Army who saw combat during the Vietnam War and Dominican Republic.

“Sullivan Alois is a true American hero who served our country with honor and courage and then came home and inspired future generations of young people as a caring and dedicated educator and high school principal in Schenectady.  The Vietnam War was not a popular conflict at the time and those that served did not get the parades, thanks and grateful recognition they deserved. The heartfelt recognition for the service of all those who fought in Vietnam, like Sullivan Alois, is long overdue,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

Alois served as a paratrooper in the 82^ndAirborne Division and was wounded in 1965 while fighting in the Dominican Republic revolution during Operation Power Pack, receiving his first Purple Heart.

He served in the Vietnam War from February 1968 to February 1969. For the first six months of his service in Vietnam, Alois was with the 173^rdAirborne Brigade. After receiving Special Forces Advanced Operations and Techniques Training, Alois served the second six months of his deployment to Vietnam as a member of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV).  As a MACV Mobile Advisory Team Leader, Alois was part of a special forces unit that lived with and trained a South Vietnamese rifle company.

Sullivan received his second Purple Heart while serving in Vietnam.  He also received the Combat Infantrymen’s Badge, Air Medal for Valor, the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, New York State Cross for Conspicuous Service and Gallantry and the Vietnam Veterans’ Presidential Citation for Outstanding Community Service from President Jimmy Carter.

A lifelong resident of Schenectady, after the Vietnam War, Alois returned home to a career as a science teacher in the Schenectady City School District, and served as a principal at Schenectady High School. Alois is married and has three daughters with a grandchild on the way.